Film Conventions
Genre of Choice: Action / Adventure
Most, if not all action films have a very similar plotline and structure to them. Simply put, there is almost always a villain, someone who is the main antagonist of the film, and a hero / main character, the main protagonist meant to stop the villain.
All villains/antagonists generally all have radical ideas that the hero/protagonist tries to prevent. The hero usually has a purpose and reason for stopping the villain, while trying to protect the victims and bystanders. While sometimes a villain may be much more obvious, like a dark supervillain, many times villains can be disguised as businesses or corporations and used as an antagonist in a much different way.
Heroes are those who are against the villain and are the main protagonist of films. Heroes always come out on top and are the ones who save the day. Generally, heroes are the main character of the film, while everything generally revolves around them. Audiences usually side with the hero, while they are the ones protecting the victims. Victims often relate to the hero in some way and all root against the villain.
Victims are a much more flexible part of action/adventure movies. Victims can range from love interests, injured heroes, and most often regular citizens. Victims can most often be found in between the conflict of the protagonist and antagonist. Many times, victims will be used as a driving force for the heroes, and often help the hero succeed. While victims are a much more broad convention of the genre, they always have a part in the plot and outcome.
Production Techniques
Most Action / adventure films are filmed in large landscapes. Whether that be a big city, like New York, or a seemingly endless field, action films require much more background and scenery than other genres.
It's common the background and landscape are utilized in fight scenes. All the way from a hero using barricades to protect the citizens to a villain throwing a car, landscapes are very important to action / adventure films.
Costumes vary depending on the film, if it is a superhero movie, main characters are often seen in skin tight outfits bearing a cape. Superheroes all have costumes specific to them, correct costume design is a very important part when adapting comics to film. Bright colors are often used to portray the hero, while dark and grittier colors can represent evil.
Action / Adventure films have a very wide target audience. While most films are mainly targeted to a younger audience of children and teens, adults seem to enjoy the films just as much. But, while there may be films targeted to young audiences, action films can also cater to adults with films such as die hard and Rambo.
EXAMPLE #1: The Dark Knight
The dark knight is arguably the best superhero film ever made. The performances by both Heath ledger and Christian bale are nothing but extraordinary. Director Christopher Nolan did an amazing job of adapting the comics to the big screen and did not hold back at all. The sinister laugh of the joker and his maniacal ideas give a much darker tone than other superhero films. Much of the stunts were performed rather than the use of CGI, which gives a much more realistic effect to the film. Overall, the dark knight is an amazing film, and even someone who doesn't enjoy superhero movies can enjoy it.
EXAMPLE #2: John Wick
John wick, while it may not be a superhero film, is an extreme action film that features many of the same characteristics of a superhero story. John wick is an amazing action film that has some of the fighting scenes in modern cinema. The mercenary story arc of john wick manages to portray John wick as not only an extremely dangerous hitman but also a very lonely and grieving man. John wick does an amazing job at utilizing large landscapes to their advantage, especially when it comes to fighting. John wick can be seen as a benchmark for other action films, mainly due to the masterful camera work during action scenes.
EXAMPLE #3: Rambo
EXAMPLE #4: Avengers Infinity War
EXAMPLE #5: Iron Man
EXAMPLE #6: Kingsman
EXAMPLE #7: Deadpool
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